It took us almost four years to even find out where he'd gone. But by that time, both girls had taken to calling me dad, and it was something that I h...d learned to enjoy and looked forward to.Another adjustment to my new life came later in the years. My daughters were bringing their friends over, and I'd see them walk into my house wearing almost nothing. And when I say almost nothing, I mean literally almost nothing. I would stare at my step-daughter's friends on occasion, and have to ask. I don't want to hoof it home in theAugust sun. I'm counting on that ride. By the way, that was sweet ofyour mom to shuttle us here." Yeah, it was a great ride for you sitting quietly in the back seat. Ifelt like I was on display. Even since last night, she keeps looking meover like there's something wrong." Honey, your mom is still reeling over the pretty teen that was hiding inher house this whole time. I think she's still trying to figure it allout suddenly parenting a pretty sixteen. "Nah, don't worry about it, Clay." The blonde haired man says. I don't know James all that well, as he had only started interning here about a week ago, but we've had some fun conversations here and there.I look over and notice a few dollar bills scattered near his papers. "Those yours?" I ask him."Oh, shit, yeah. Yeah, I'm headin' to the strip club after work. Taking my little transgender friend there. Apparently, the dude's never stepped foot into a club before. Trying to teach the kid how to. "Reminds you of us at their age, doesn't it, Lizzie?" Aunt Cassandra asks your mother. She just shoots her sister a glare and takes moves over to the table, carrying a cake topped with two novelty candles making the number 18."Make a wish, sweetie," mom says, smiling as she moves quickly to the other side of the table, phone in hand. Cheesy though it was, the only wish you really wanted to make was to get out of this financial glut sooner rather than later. It had been a hard year for your.